With a variable direct debit the originator must provide enough advance notice of the amounts and dates of payment, or any changes to them, in sufficient time to allow the customer to raise any queries prior to payment. This is defined as at least ten working days from receiving the notification. All new direct debits must be variable and in practice the vast majority of existing direct debits are in variable format.

In reply to a post by kamelion:

With a variable direct debit the originator must provide enough advance notice of the amounts and dates of payment, or any changes to them, in sufficient time to allow the customer to raise any queries prior to payment. This is defined as at least ten working days from receiving the notification. All new direct debits must be variable and in practice the vast majority of existing direct debits are in variable format.

I've highlighted the important words. The notification is not the billing, it is the notice of the intent to change the collection date.

In reply to a post by BatBoy:

In reply to a post by kamelion:

With a variable direct debit the originator must provide enough advance notice of the amounts and dates of payment, or any changes to them, in sufficient time to allow the customer to raise any queries prior to payment. This is defined as at least ten working days from receiving the notification. All new direct debits must be variable and in practice the vast majority of existing direct debits are in variable format.

I've highlighted the important words. The notification is not the billing, it is the notice of the intent to change the collection date.

Its not just about the notice of intent to change the collection date. Its also about the amount. The 10 days is also there to give time to query the bill/invoice. It quite clearly states so in the paragraph that has been posted, but which you appear to have overlooked.

With a variable direct debit the originator must provide enough advance notice of the amounts and dates of payment, or any changes to them, in sufficient time to allow the customer to raise any queries prior to payment.

Edited by deleted (Thu 24-Mar-11 18:37:08)

In reply to a post by sean_r:

Its not just about the notice of intent to change the collection date. Its also about the amount. The 10 days is also there to give time to query the bill/invoice. It quite clearly states so in the paragraph that has been posted, but which you appear to have overlooked.

With a variable direct debit the originator must provide enough advance notice of the amounts and dates of payment, or any changes to them, in sufficient time to allow the customer to raise any queries prior to payment.

Has the amount changed?

The amount can and does change. Even though I'm on their Anytime tarif, some calls are still chargable on top of that, calls to 0870, 0871, mobiles, international. Just checked my 3 previous bills and they are different amounts.

In reply to a post by sean_r:

The amount can and does change. Even though I'm on their Anytime tarif, some calls are still chargable on top of that, calls to 0870, 0871, mobiles, international. Just checked my 3 previous bills and they are different amounts.

Look you're wrong, you're barking up the wrong tree. If you think it's incorrect, ask for the payment to be refunded under the direct-debit guarantee. I guarantee you'll find out who's right after that.

Yes there is that option to be refunded, it does change the point that people are allowed 10 days in which to query their bill.

With a variable direct debit the originator must provide enough advance notice of the amounts and dates of payment, or any changes to them, in sufficient time to allow the customer to raise any queries prior to payment. This is defined as at least ten working days from receiving the notification. All new direct debits must be variable and in practice the vast majority of existing direct debits are in variable format. http://www.financevictims.co.uk/direct-debits/offici...

In reply to a post by sean_r:

Yes there is that option to be refunded, it does change the point that people are allowed 10 days in which to query their bill.

With a variable direct debit the originator must provide enough advance notice of the amounts and dates of payment, or any changes to them, in sufficient time to allow the customer to raise any queries prior to payment. This is defined as at least ten working days from receiving the notification. All new direct debits must be variable and in practice the vast majority of existing direct debits are in variable format. http://www.financevictims.co.uk/direct-debits/offici...

Is that defined by the banks, or by "financevictims" ?

Copied from the bacs website http://www.thesmartwaytopay.co.uk/SiteCollectionDocu...

What if changes are needed?
If either the amount or the payment date changes, the company
concerned has to notify you in advance (normally ten working
days) of your account being debited. This gives you plenty of
time to get in touch with them if necessary.

So yes, it is defined by the banks

The above link is supplied by the bacs website.

Edited by deleted (Thu 24-Mar-11 20:12:06)

One of the problems with DD is that a simple process is completely misunderstood by almost everyone. (mind you the CC version is worse, but hay-hoo).
The bank will make an immediate refund if a error is made - it says in plain english.
My bank said contact the originator as nuffin to do with them. The originator said the bank should sort it.
No mention anywhere about who made whatever error so it's pot luck.

I'm with AOL and they told me they sent an e-mail about a price change. I looked and looked and it never appeared. After a lot of questions, 'We posted the change on the tariff section of the web-site' they said.
Go on, how many check they ISP's web site prices every week? Thought so!

I avoid allowing organisations to dip into my bank account as much as possible. I even tried asking my local Carphone Warehouse shop if I could pay the bill there. Apparently a bit like BT - nuffin to do with us, go away.